Thank you, Mark. The I-Team has learned of a terrible injustice leading to the death of an innocent man in state custody while awaiting trial….
The camera changed to a view of Darnell Grey in his Army Ranger uniform. Over the next 60 seconds, Candace detailed the botched investigation leading to Grey's arrest, his placement in the general population, and his murder in prison.
She did a remarkable job of winnowing down the investigation into a series of sound bites and images. Senator Collucci's involvement in the matter was the focal point of the story, the affidavit from Judge Tucker cementing Collucci's participation. The interview with Loren Grey and Alpha Babes Investigations played a prominent part in the story.
The scene switched back to Candace, the Superior court in the background.
Keira Williams, the Attorney representing Loren Grey, told us she intends to file a motion in court to dismiss the charges against Darnell Grey. She acknowledges this is a merely symbolic gesture. Ms. Williams also said they are exploring the possibility of a civil law suit as a result of Grey's death while in state custody."
Thank you, Candace for that story. Has Senator Collucci responded to this at all?
We have reached out to Senator Collucci for his response to these allegations. So far, there has been nothing from his office other than a short press release. We have been unable to speak to the Senator.
Thank you again, Candace. Now, time for today's forecast…
Josh flicked the TV off. "What do you think?"
"I think we made our point, did some damage to Collucci. Now, seeing how he reacts will be most interesting," Brennan said. "When will the next story break?"
"Candace said they're going to try to interview Collucci," Josh said. "She thinks his ego won't let him hide for long. She's hoping to lure him into a studio interview, and then ambush him with the new allegations."
"Let's hope the national media notices this and runs with it," Kennedy added.
Tommy picked up his coffee and headed to the door. "I did notice one big thing the national media couldn't miss," he said, drawing everyone's attention. Satisfied he had a captive audience, he smiled. "They say the camera adds ten pounds. I can tell you that's not the case." Pointing at Chris, “Seeing that view of her fat ass added at least 20 or more."
The room broke into laughter.
Chris started around the table after him; Josh tried to slow her down.
Brennan said, "Let her go, Josh. Boy is a glutton for punishment, sooner or later he'll learn."
A few moments later, talking over the yelling and screaming coming from the hallway, Brennan said, "Sounds like he's learning another lesson as we speak," bringing the room to a new level of laughter.
Chapter 37
Sorin sat in the Senator's office fielding phone calls from other Senators, trying to control the damage. Collucci came in, looking exhausted. "Where have you been?" he said, glaring at Sorin.
Sorin held up his hand for Collucci to wait, "I'll have to call you back, Senator. Yes, yes, I know. This is all politics. Nothing has changed. The Senator appreciates your support. Thank you," ending the call.
"So what the hell just happened, Robert?" Sorin asked.
"Those pieces of shit Williams and Tucker did this. I wish that fucking nigger did have a gun back then and killed Williams before Williams killed him. He'd be a forgotten dead cop, instead of a pain in my ass."
All five lines in the Senator's office were ringing, "Go out there and tell the damn secretary to put the phones on night service. I am not talking to anybody right now," Collucci said.
Sorin left the office and returned a moment later, the lights on the phone lines continued flashing, but the ringing had stopped.
"What are you going to do, Senator? You have any ideas?" Sorin asked.
"Nothing, we do nothing. We let it blow over as it always does. This is all sound and fury; there is no truth here. Nothing linking me. We'll do a longer press release tomorrow. Let's get out of here and go find somewhere they don't know me. Get a drink and forget about this for a while, “Collucci said.
The two left the Senator's office. Looking out the front door, they saw the media horde lying in wait.
"Where's yours parked?" Collucci asked.
"Inside parking garage."
"Great, we'll take yours."
A few moments later, Sorin drove out of the lot heading away from the crowd.
"We still have problems, you know. The second part of the story, remember? We don't have a clue what is in it. If it mentions our friends, we have a bigger problem. One which a press conference won't solve," Sorin said.
"There is no way they have anything about it. How could they?" Collucci asked.
Sorin shook his head. "Because one of our property managers has an undercover cop working in her office, perhaps? Why else would he be there?"
Collucci laughed aloud. "Anthony, you’re not from Rhode Island so you wouldn't understand. It is small, unsophisticated, and simple minded. This mindset infects those who make up the police departments. The East Providence Police do not have the intelligence to figure out what we have done. They thought they could catch me boo-hooing the poor dead innocent black guy I sent to the can. Dumb-asses."
"What about the Feds?" Sorin asked. "If they get involved, that's a whole different animal."
"I have my resources within the FBI. There's nothing going on. If they had an open case, I would know. Now find me a quiet bar to have a drink. I need to think for a bit," Collucci said.
The two FBI agents in the surveillance van smiled.
"I can't wait to play the 'dumb local cop' line for Josh and Tommy. I cannot wait," one of the agents chuckled.
* * *
Sorin's cell phone rang, "Yes?"
"I am with the Senator, can't this wait? Okay, I understand, of course."
Sorin hung up and turned the car around, “Change of plan, Dmitriev wants to meet. Where do you want me to drop you off?"
"Doesn't the almighty one want to meet with both of us?" Collucci asked, the veins in his neck throbbing.
"No," Sorin snapped. "Now where do you want to go, or do I just drop you back at the lot to talk to the media? Your call."
"Take me home; drop me off on the back street. I can get in without anyone knowing I'm there," Collucci said, resigned to his status. "I'll stay there for a while."
As they pulled onto the street behind Collucci's home, Sorin cautioned him. "Do not do anything until you hear from me."
Collucci ignored him, opening the door. Sorin grabbed his arm. Collucci glared. "I am serious, Robert. You heard Dmitriev. Do nothing without me."
Collucci snarled at him, "Don't push this too hard, Anthony. I am not afraid of you or him," slamming the door as he walked away.
After dropping Collucci off, Sorin drove to the downtown area, parked the car and hailed a cab. He directed the driver to an address on Embassy Row.
He hailed a second cab, taking this to a small, unremarkable building behind the United State Supreme Court. As the cab drove off, a black limo arrived. Sorin got in.
"Anthony, how are you?" Dmitriev said. "Would you care for some Vodka?"
"Definitely Shasha," he said, a tentative look on his face, “I am still extended this privilege, no?"
"Of course, my friend, no worries as these Americans say," handing Sorin a glass. "But with the Senator, my patience grows thin. Are you sure he is worth this effort?"
"As chairman of the Banking Committee, his assistance will be most beneficial. Assuming he survives this controversy," Sorin said, sipping the drink.
"And if not?" Dmitriev asked.
"Then we would have to reevaluate his usefulness," Sorin answered. "It has taken a considerable effort to get to this point. I believe this will pass. American politics are fickle. Today it's Collucci, tomorrow someone else."
Sorin smiled, "Speaking of which, don't we have some images we can leak of some other Congressmen? If I know you, Shasha, you've got a tre
asure trove of useful information.” Raising his glass in toast.
"That is one possibility, my friend. But under the circumstances I do not think it would be sufficient," offering to refill Sorin's glass. Sorin accepted the vodka and settled back into the seat, studying Dmitriev.
"In light of this, Anton Antonevich," he used the Russian term of endearment, “I have decided to do some traditional Russian intervention. We cannot afford to lose Mr. Collucci at this point. It may change in the future, but for now we must move to protect him as one of our valuable assets."
Dmitriev reached into his jacket pocket, took out a notepad, wrote something, and then handed it to Sorin.
"I understand you will be returning to Rhode Island soon. Call that number," pointing at the note, “arrange to meet with our friends. They will need some guidance in locating the targets and determining their vulnerabilities."
"Targets? What targets?" Sorin asked.
Dmitriev looked at Sorin, his eyes looking for any doubt or resistance. "The police officers and the Judge responsible for this news story. I want them eliminated."
"But Shasha, if we--"
Dmitriev cut him off. "This is not open to further discussion. Once they understand the risks they incur, they will think twice before interfering with our goals."
"What about the last time?" Sorin asked. "It seemed to steel their resolve, not lessen it."
"Last time was an amateurish attempt," Dmitriev said. "My men are not amateurs." As these words came out, his eyes burned with an anger unfamiliar to Sorin. "Do as I ask and we will move on."
Sorin nodded, folded the paper, and put it in his pocket.
Dmitriev saw the concern on Sorin's face. "Not to worry, Anthony. They will make it look like a hit by some street gang members or a botched robbery. One of those commonplace occurrences that plague this country. There will be nothing to link it to us."
Sorin nodded. "I will see to it, Shasha."
"I know you will, Anton Antonevich, of that I am certain."
Chapter 38
Sorin and Collucci waited in the Senator's congressional office for their driver to arrive. The news story had run its course, overtaken by the passage of several days and other news.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sorin asked. "No one cares about it anymore, let it go."
"Anthony, how long have you and I worked together?" Collucci said. "Did you think I would let a little political ambush of a news report intimidate me? Call that reporter, arrange the interview."
"Dmitriev told you everything needed to be cleared through me. Remember?"
"He isn't running my goddamn campaign. I do that," Collucci slammed his hands on the desk. "You are my Chief of Staff, not his. I need to continue in this position if I am to be useful. Is that not true? I know how to do damage control. That is my bailiwick. If you want to tell him what I doing, go right ahead. However, I am doing this with you, or without you. Makes no difference to me."
As Sorin reached for his cell phone, Collucci grabbed his arm. "Tell them the interview will be in my office tomorrow 2:00. Not open for any discussions. Are we clear?"
Sorin nodded.
"And it's just the reporter and the cameraman. No one else," Collucci added, looking over as the door to the office opened.
"Senator, the car is here. The driver said there are several reporters waiting outside also. Do you want him to go around to the private parking garage entrance?" The aide asked.
Collucci smiled, "Of course not, Yvonne. The media has a job to do. I have a responsibility to be available. Tell the driver to stay where he is. We'll be down."
After the door closed, Collucci sat back in his chair. "Make the call, Anthony. Take your time in the conversation. There's no need to rush," Collucci said, folding his hands behind his head. "I will give our friends in the media their chance at asking questions, but I will make them wait a bit for the opportunity."
While Sorin arranged for the interview, Collucci reviewed his notes. They may think they have wounded me, but it would be a mistake. Two can play at the innuendo game and I have had a lot more practice.
"All set," Sorin said, putting his phone back in his pocket. "2:00 pm our office in Providence."
Collucci nodded without looking up. "Okay, let's go," he said, closing his briefcase. "Time to show these bastards how to play the character assassination game."
Striding out the front of the building, Collucci smiled as the media surrounded him.
"Senator Collucci, how do you respond to the allegations you framed an innocent man?"
"Senator, is it true you concealed evidence in the Grey case?"
"Senator, do you take responsibility for the death of Darnell Grey?"
Collucci handed his briefcase to the driver, motioned for Sorin to get in the car, and then turned to face the cameras.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I do not understand the basis of these questions. What I saw on television the other day was nothing more than a politically motivated attack. An attack on the integrity of the criminal justice system and my character. In my over 40 years of service to this country, I have never violated an oath of office."
Collucci turned to get in the car.
The reporters continued to shout questions.
Collucci looked back, holding up his hands. "Just so you'll all have this clear. This reporter, Candace Ferguson, breaks a story based on alleged information from a liberal civil rights attorney married to a defendant I once prosecuted for shooting an unarmed black man. This same reporter is married to the defense lawyer who represented the officer," shaking his head, "if that is not a sordid little mess, I don't know what is. Look into their motivations. Therein lies a story,” Collucci opened the car door.
“Instead of standing here shouting questions based on lies and innuendos, why don’t you act like reporters and look into those facts.”
Collucci climbed into the car, slammed the door, and ordered the driver to head to the airport.
* * *
Candace Ferguson knocked on the station manager's door. Collins looked up and saw her through the side panel glass. He motioned for her to come in.
"Good morning, what's up?" he asked.
"You are not going to believe the phone call I just received," Candace said.
Collins sat back in his chair, "Do I have to guess, or will you be telling me anytime soon?"
"Anthony Sorin," Candace replied.
"Who?"
"Anthony Sorin, Collucci's Chief of Staff. He called and arranged a personal interview with Collucci tomorrow afternoon, 2:00 PM in the Senator's office."
Collins leaned forward, "Are you serious? I cannot believe… no wait; we're talking about Collucci here. His ego is bigger than anyone I have ever met, and believe me I have met some major egomaniacs. Tell me the conversation."
"Well,” Candace began, "there wasn't much to it. Sorin called and asked if I was willing to hear the Senator's side of the story. He told me the Senator would meet with me at his office for an interview. I was to come alone with just the camera operator. No one else and…."
"And what?" Collins asked.
"And we could do whatever we want during and after the interview, but there was to be no publicity about it beforehand."
"Do you think he suspects there's a second story coming about him?" Collins asked.
"I don't know what to think. He may be trying to contain the damage, or fishing to see what else we may have. Either way this is great for us. He said I could ask him anything. So I'll ask, on camera," Candace said. "I should call Josh and tell him."
"No, do not call anyone about this. This is our story. We decide what we want to do with it. This is not a police matter," Collins said, looking at Candace to see her reaction.
Candace gave Collins a withering look, "Don't you think we owe him at least a heads up about this? We would not have this story without him. There may be some things he can feed me to ask Collucci," Candace argued.
"Candace, look. W
e don't work for them. We're not a tool for the police. We are not here to help them do something they cannot do under the law. I appreciate the fact they brought this to us, but they did it because they could not do what we can. If they could have accomplished their purpose without us, they would have," Collins said. "This stays in house, understand?"
Candace nodded and left the office. The reason you did anything, Mr. Collins, is Josh and the FBI pushed you. Okay, can't tell Josh, he didn't say I couldn't tell someone to tell Josh. She called Hawk.
* * *
The American Airlines flight from Ronald Reagan airport to Providence took just under an hour. Collucci and Sorin boarded as part of the pre-board group. They sat in the first row. While many of those boarding the plane recognized the Senator, no one said anything to him.
As the aircraft taxied to the gate, Sorin took out his cell and placed a call to the limo driver.
"Are things in place?" he asked.
"All set, Mr. Sorin. The media is here, near baggage claim. I spoke to the American airlines station manager. She was most accommodating. As soon as the door opens, she will meet us in the jetway and escort us through the security area. The airport police will be there as well to provide security. They've arranged for me to be waiting at the airport corporation secure parking area."
"Excellent, thank you." Sorin put the phone away. "The local station manager will take us out through the secure area. The media is in the baggage claim area. We'll avoid them and be gone before they even realize it."
Collucci nodded. "Should be a rather interesting few days, don't you think?"
Sorin tried to smile. "I hope this is the right thing to do. You may be setting yourself up for bigger problems."
Collucci patted him on the shoulder. "Nonsense, Anthony. I live for this stuff. This will all blow over and we'll move ahead with things. Trust me on this; I know what I am doing. You just make sure our support for the Chairmanship stays firm. Some of those Senators sway with the slightest breeze. Keep the pressure on them."
Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel Page 27
